Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Uganda on Tuesday handed over leadership of the Bureau of Ministers of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), but retained a strategic position as Fourth Vice-Chair and Rapporteur of the new team.
The transition was presided over by Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba, who chaired the election of the incoming Bureau during the 12th ARFSD hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Mauritius, represented by H.E. Fabrice David, now assumes the chairmanship of the Bureau of Ministers, taking over from Uganda after a tenure that Kampala says helped shape continental dialogue on sustainable development priorities.
“I am pleased that the chairmanship now passes to my First Vice Chair, Mauritius. Congratulations to H.E. Fabrice David,” Lumumba said during the meeting held April 28 in Addis Ababa.
Despite handing over the chairmanship, Uganda remains within the new Bureau as Fourth Vice-Chair and Rapporteur, ensuring continued influence in shaping Africa’s development agenda.
The newly elected Bureau reflects regional balance across the continent:
- Chair: Mauritius (Southern Africa)
- 1st Vice-Chair: Gabon (Central Africa)
- 2nd Vice-Chair: Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)
- 3rd Vice-Chair: Libya (North Africa)
- 4th Vice-Chair/Rapporteur: Uganda (East Africa)
Nabbanja outlines Uganda’s legacy and priorities
Earlier in the day, in her remarks as Chairperson of the outgoing Bureau, Rt Hon Nabbanja highlighted Uganda’s achievements during its tenure and called for sustained momentum in addressing Africa’s development challenges.
“We need to continue prioritising the link between peace and sustainable development, take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and strengthen the enablers of development by reducing the cost of doing business,” she said.
Nabbanja commended Lumumba and Uganda’s technical teams for what she described as a successful year of leadership, noting that progress had been made in aligning national policies with continental frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Focus shifts to action and implementation
The ARFSD serves as Africa’s premier platform for reviewing progress on sustainable development, bringing together governments, policymakers, and development partners.
With leadership now under Mauritius, attention is expected to shift toward accelerating implementation, particularly in areas of trade integration, investment climate reforms, and climate resilience.
Nabbanja stressed that peace and stability remain foundational to all development efforts, warning that without them, economic gains cannot be sustained.
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